Pirates add Bristol to affiliate roster

Pittsburgh, PA (SportsNetwork.com) - The Pittsburgh Pirates have added a ninth
minor league affiliate to their development system, partnering with Bristol of
the Appalachian League.

The advanced rookie league in Bristol, Va., will give the Pirates their first
Appalachian League team since 1989.

"We are looking forward to expanding our development system into the
Appalachian League as well as beginning a new relationship with the fans and
staff in Bristol, Va.," said Pirates minor league operations director Larry
Broadway in a statement. "As we continue to invest in the draft and Latin
America, the addition of an advanced Rookie League team provides us another
opportunity to maximize the development time of every player who enters into
our system."

The Pirates' eight minor league affiliates combined for a record of 444-394
with five postseason appearances in 2013.